A war memorial targeted by vandals could soon be repaired. The Memorial Gardens in Middleton commemorates those who fought and died in the First and Second world wars, as well as honouring Fusilier Lee Rigby.
Vandals have targeted the area in recent years. Originally, the building had toilets either side of the main entrance gates, but they were blocked off years ago also due to being damaged.
Rochdale council has now submitted plans to improve the area and futureproof the memorial. Proposals include replacing missing or damaged slates; replacing roof trusses and decorative timbers; and replacing roof sheeting as well as the pointing.
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Planning papers say the work will 'ensure that the building is watertight and will stop any further degradation which has been caused by theft of lead valleys and criminal damage'.
Coun Dylan Williams has repeatedly spoken out about criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in Middleton. In recent months the memorial gardens and King George V park have been the subject of vandalism from 'gangs of masked teens on motorbikes'.
Speaking in June after the memorial gardens were attacked alongside Alkrington Woods, Coun Williams said: "It is just getting worse and worse. It is completely out of control now.
"I think the council needs to hurry up with the installation of the new CCTV upgrade for the town centre.
"The money is there now. The police obviously need to get tough on these vandals and they need to do more to identify them and take action.
"| just feel like there is no deterrent at the moment. Punishment never seems to go beyond these antisocial behaviour contracts."
